Man nabbed for stealing $16k gold chain, carrying folding knife

SINGAPORE - A 23-year-old man will be charged in court on Aug 12 over allegedly stealing a $16,400 gold chain and carrying an offensive weapon in a public place.

The police said on Aug 11 that they received a call for help along Commonwealth Avenue West on Aug 10 at about 10.35pm.

The victim had listed the gold chain for sale on e-commerce platform Carousell, and had arranged to meet a potential buyer along Clementi Avenue 4, said the police.

During the meet-up, when the victim placed the gold chain on a weighing machine to show its weight, the suspect, under the pretext of examining the item more closely, took the gold chain and fled.

The victim, whose age the police did not disclose, chased after the man and successfully detained him along Commonwealth Avenue West with the assistance of a passer-by.

In addition to the stolen gold chain, a folding knife was found in the suspect’s possession, said the police.

The suspect will be charged with the offences of theft and carrying an offensive weapon in a public place.

If found guilty of theft, he can be jailed for up to three years, fined or both.

For the offence of carrying offensive weapons in a public place, he can be jailed for up to three years and receive a minimum of six strokes of the cane.

The passer-by, 57-year-old Lee Yew Thye, was commended by the police at a public-spiritedness award ceremony held at Clementi Police Division on Aug 11 for stepping forward to assist with the arrest and for calling the police for assistance.

He demonstrated civic-mindedness in helping someone in need, said the police.

The police advised members of the public to be alert and attentive to their surroundings when meeting potential buyers or sellers or making transactions in person, especially when carrying valuables or large sums of cash.

They should avoid going to secluded places and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the police immediately by calling 999, they said.